4/26/2012 - West Side Leader
     

Fairlawn Rotary Club announces new members, campaign

FAIRLAWN — The Fairlawn Rotary Club has announced a slate of new members as the club launches an event-filled membership campaign for spring 2012. 

Those who have recently joined the Fairlawn Rotary Club are: Dr. Frank Douglas, of Austen BioInnovation Institute in Akron; Michael Gladysz, of Westfield Bank; Theodore “Ted” Klimczak, of Donovan, Klimczak & Co.; Richard Rockich, of Merrill Lynch; and Andy Troutman, of Troutman Vineyards and The Winery at Wolf Creek.

The club has launched a new campaign with the goal of doubling membership by June 2012. It recently kicked off this campaign with an after-work reception at The Winery at Wolf Creek April 5.

In welcoming the newly announced members, President Steve Smetana said, “These new members exemplify the community spirit, energy and commitment of all Rotarians. We are happy to welcome them and look forward to their contributions.”

The Fairlawn Rotary is comprised of businessmen and -women from Fairlawn, Bath, Copley and Richfield who take an active role in supporting the local community while also enjoying social activities, according to group officials.

Some of these events have included Speakeasy Casino Night, outings at Blossom Music Center, receptions at The Winery at Wolf Creek, holiday basket packing for charity and Rotary Camp. Many of the charities that Fairlawn Rotary Club supports involve children.

Rotary hosts weekly Wednesday-morning breakfast meetings at Fairlawn Country Club, 200 N. Wheaton Road. Those interested may contact Garunder Rana at 330-861-3499 or GMRana111@gmail.com or simply attend any of the club meetings.

Hazel Tree Interiors introducing new types of home decor at May 5 open house

DOWNTOWN AKRON — Hazel Tree Interiors will introduce its newest offerings of reclaimed, repurposed and locally made home furnishings at its spring open house May 5 from 5 to 9 p.m.

The party will celebrate and introduce the latest pieces from local artisans whose work is available in-store and through Hazel Tree Interior’s design services. Local artisans will be on hand during the open house to discuss their creations.

Hazel Tree Interiors is owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Jon Haidet and Karen Starr.

“Since we opened, we’ve been working hard to bring together the best and most unique home décor artisans in the area,” Starr said. “Our goal with Hazel Tree has been to create a studio and store that connects both retail customers and my design clients with a source for locally made, interesting home décor.”

Some new types of décor to be introduced that evening include furniture/lighting/clocks/shelf brackets made from reclaimed steel, clay and glass accent tiles, accent pillows, painted and repurposed furniture, mirrors, found-object wall art and found-object clocks.

Refreshments will be served for the party, and people attending the Akron ArtWalk that evening are encouraged to stop in.

Hazel Tree Interiors is located at 143 W. Market St. For details, call 330-761-3100.

Indoor cycling studio relocates to Fairlawn

FAIRLAWN — Jackie’s Gym, formerly known as Jacob’s Kinetics, has moved to Fairlawn and now is located at 3029 Smith Road.

This new facility caters to spinning fanatics and those who have heard, seen or want to know more, according to company officials.

Spinning classes are offered before work, at lunchtime and after work. There are no membership fees and no contracts. Participants pay as they go.

This boutique gym also specializes in personal training, semi-private personal training, super circuit training, post rehabilitation and youth training. Cross training is available. Jackie’s Gym also can be a part of any corporate wellness program, according to business officials.

Owner Jackie Banayan’s undergraduate and master’s degrees are in exercise physiology, specializing in cardiac rehabilitation.

Each year, Banayan leads more than 300 spinners in “Spin for Life,” helping raise more than $100,000 at each event for the Stephen A. Comunale, Jr. Family Cancer Foundation.

For details about the studio, call 330-315-3937, email jackie@jackies-gym.com or visit www.jackies-gym.com.

Nails 90 & Spa opens second location

BATH — Nails 90 & Spa has opened a second location at 81 Springside Drive.

The 15-year-old business is owned by Kim Nguyen and offers a variety of nail services, including acrylic nail enhancement, polish service and more, as well as manicures and pedicures, according to company officials. In addition, eyelash extensions, waxing services and services for children, including manicures, pedicures and polishes, are offered.

According to Nguyen, the liquid adhesive MMA is not used at her business, and only liquid monomer is used to achieve the best results in nail care treatment.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are accepted.

The business is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The business’ first location is at 1601 S. Hawkins Ave.

For more information or an appointment, call 330-668-2222.

— By Maria Lindsay

Evant Inc. moving to new site

STOW — Evant Inc. recently purchased and moved into a new building at 4500 Hudson Drive.

Evant has been providing residential services for people with developmental disabilities in Summit County and the surrounding area for more than 36 years. Its corporate office had been located on Front Street in Cuyahoga Falls for more than 20 years.

According to agency officials, the Board of Directors had been looking to find a space in the area and even examined collaboration with other service providers. Ultimately, it was determined that Evant would require a place of its own that could be adapted to the needs of its business.

“Evant has outgrown its rental space on Front Street,” said Sherry Gedeon, Evant’s executive director. “In the current economy, it is more reasonable for Evant to purchase a space that will build equity.”

Evant supports 29 homes made up of both Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs) and Supported-Living homes (IO Waiver).

For details on Evant, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, visit www.EvantInc.org or call 330-920-1517. The phone number remains the same at the new location.

Online retailer aims to keep prices low

SHARON — Christina Berry has opened an online boutique at Affordable-Fash ions.com meant to cater to cost-conscious shoppers.

Berry, 20, attended Highland Local Schools, graduated from Virtual Community School of Ohio and obtained her associate’s degree in international business from Cuyahoga Community College.

The online retailer carries tops, jeans, shorts, dresses and accessories.

Berry said she is able to keep her prices low because there are no costs associated with a physical store, such as rent, utilities and payroll.

Berry said her inventory comes from different wholesale distributors, mostly located in Los Angeles. All of her jeans and shorts are from LA Idol.

Customers pay via major credit card or a PayPal account.

More information can be found on the Facebook page set up for Affordable-Fashions.com and a Twitter account @Fashionscute.

Akron launching programs to match emerging leaders with nonprofit service

AKRON — A new program will prepare young professionals in Akron for service on nonprofit boards, engaging a new generation of leaders in their community.

BVU: The Center for Nonprofit Excellence will develop the program, built on a successful model in Cleveland, with $400,000 in support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. BVU will train young professionals for nonprofit board positions and volunteer consulting, matching their skills and interests with local organizations.

The 2009 Knight-funded Soul of the Community study found that while young people are moving to Akron for jobs, several years later they indicate they don’t feel attached to the area, which decreases their willingness to stay. The program aims to more deeply engage young professionals and increase the probability of retention as they take on leadership positions and become involved in the community.

Young professionals will be matched to nonprofit board and committee opportunities through Linking New Leaders, a speed-dating-like program, and also will be engaged as volunteer consultants to help nonprofits with operations and management, including finance, marketing, human resources, technology and legal support.

BVU plans to collaborate with Akron’s established young professionals networks to initiate this project. Akron-area business professionals will be trained about the roles and responsibilities of board members, best practices and trends in the nonprofit sector through customized Role of the Board seminars in Summit County. Future plans also include using technology to match volunteers.

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